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UCL Institute of Mental Health

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a separate application process for the  scholarship  ring-fenced for a BAME candidates?

No. All candidates apply through the standard application process, and there is no separate process for the ring-fenced scholarship for BAME candidates. The interview shortlisting and final selection processes will ensure that BAME candidates are represented in the interview shortlist and the final intake, provided candidates state their ethnicity in the ‘Confidential Personal Information Monitoring Form’. Please note that although this is not mandatory, it is not possible to be considered for the ethnic minority ring-fenced studentship if you do not provide ethnicity information in the ‘Confidential Personal Information Monitoring Form’.  

Does the programme offer a part-time option?

The programme is available to be undertaken part time. Please state if you wish to undertake the programme part time in your statement of motivation.  You would, most likely. be expected to complete the first year full-time (to conduct the rotation projects and MSc modules), with the possibility of moving to part-time during your main PhD project.

Do I need to provide a research proposal or suggest a supervisor when applying?

Students are not expected to have a pre-identified supervisor or research proposal for their main PhD project at the time of application. The aim of this programme is for students to receive training in three research Themes through three rotation projects during the first year, and subsequently decide on research projects and supervisors for their main PhD project. In the application form, applicants are encouraged to mention potential supervisors for the rotation projects (but not for their main PhD project), from the supervisors list, based on the supervisors' areas of interest. Applicants should feel free to contact potential supervisors to discuss possible rotation projects prior to submitting their application.

The ‘Statement of Motivation’ in the application form, suggests students may list training courses they would be interested in completing during the programme.  Where can I find training courses?  

Training courses offered by UCL can be found here: UCL Module Catalogue. Students in the programme  should select courses at FHEQ Level 7 that are relevant to mental health, but outside areas in which students have had prior training.

Do I need to provide referees when applying?

You must not provide referee details with your application, these will only be requested after the interviews.

I am in my final year of my undergraduate studies and will not have received my results by the time applications close, can I apply?

We encourage applicants in their final year to apply even if they have not received their results. You can provide results from earlier years in your application.

I am currently doing a master's and will only know my grades after the application deadline. Where can I include this information?

You may include information about your current master's studies either in the 'Research Experience' section, or as part of your 'Statement of motivation'.

I am a health professional and would like to apply, will I be considered?

This programme is part of Wellcome’s non-clinical four-year PhD studentships in science. We will not normally consider applications from health professionals (doctors, clinical psychologists, other health professionals) and  will only do so if they can demonstrate that they are committed to a career outside clinical practice. Wellcome funds several PhD programme specifically for health professionals, which are designed for those intending to complete a PhD in the context of clinical training.

I am a social worker and would like to apply, will I be considered?

Yes, applications from social workers will be considered by the programme.

I am an international student, am I able to apply?

International students are eligible for this programme and are encouraged to apply.

Will I have to pay tuition fees?

No. These are fully funded studentships.  Tuition fees for ‘home’ and ‘overseas’ students are fully covered.

I am an non-UK student, how do I find the UK-equivalent for my grades?

International students should consult Country Search | International Students - UCL page for the conversion of international grades into UK grades.

English isn’t my first language, can I apply?

If your degree is not from an institution in a majority English speaking country, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency. The English language level for this programme is Good. Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

I am a national from a non-majority English speaking country, do I need to provide evidence of language ability at the time of the application?

You are allowed to apply for the programme without providing formal evidence of your English ability at the time of application.  Please note, you must provide this information if you are invited to interview.  Admission to UCL will be conditional upon the provision of such evidence, prior to enrolment.Full information on providing evidence of your English language ability can be found via this link: Applying as an international student.

When will interviews take place?

Interviews will take place on 5 and 6 March 2024. If you receive an invitation to interview and are unable to attend, please contact mhphd@ucl.ac.uk as soon as possible. We aim to send out invitations to interview in the week commencing 19th Feb 2024.